Kosrae, called 'The Sleeping Lady', is covered with dense tropical jungles and high volcanic peaks, with lush river valleys and waterfalls. This remote island location is surrounded by fringing reefs teeming with tropical fish that feed off the spectacular corals.

The coral reefs slope steeply into the clear blue depths and are one of the great attractions of Kosrae. The people of Kosrae are considered one of the most peaceful and gracious people on earth.

Although some cultural traditions have been lost, singing and chanting, weaving, woodcarving, canoe building, house building, farming, and fishing are still practiced today. Missionaries have a huge influence on the island so modesty and other restrictions must be observed.

Geographical Information

Kosrae is roughly triangular in shape and is the second largest island and the most easterly state of the Federated States of Micronesia, covering an area of 110 km2. The island has three distinct geographic features - mountains, jungle and mangrove forests - ringed by miles of white sandy beaches. The mountains are steep and rugged and are covered by dense tropical vegetation. Several mountain peaks rise over 600 metres above sea level and account for about 70% of the land area. In the mountains you can experience cascading waterfalls, cool rivers and seldom visited hiking trails.

Activities

Kosrae's attractions focus on history, culture and the environment. It is one of the places in the world that has true ecotourism. Trekking through jungles and mountains, quietly canoeing or kayaking in the mangrove channels, marveling at Neolithic ruins, surfing the reef breaks, snorkeling or diving pristine reefs and sunken ships or sport fishing for a big catch are just some of the many activities awaiting the traveler.

When to Travel to Kosrae

It is warm and humid in Kosrae throughout the year. The mean annual temperature is about 25º C and rarely exceeds 32º C. The water temperature is a fairly constant 28º C.

Kosrae is characterised by two distinct seasons: a dry season between May and October, and a rainy season from November to April. You should be prepared for rain showers everyday. Easterly trade winds are dominant between November and June. Tropical squalls can dump a considerable amount of rain in a short period of time, but usually do not last long.

Diving is conducted year round. During the summer (June to October) the water is generally calmer and the currents lighter making for easy diving. In the winter (late November to May), diving may be limited to the south and west sides of the island. Some of the most spectacular dive sites are located in these areas. The wind can result in faster currents which can also bring the larger pelagics into the reef.

Scuba Diving in Kosrae

One of Kosrae's greatest attractions is the clear, clean ocean and its extraordinary living coral reefs that completely surround it. Offshore, the coral reefs slope steeply into the clear blue depths. Both vertical drop-offs and undulating profiles of cascading corals appear before you, as underwater visibility averages 30 to 60 metres. The reefs comprise hundreds of densely packed hard coral species, attracting an abundance of marine life. A diver could easily observe 30 to 50 species of fish in a single dive. Large numbers of turtles and rays inhabit the waters of this island paradise.

Imagine yourself diving and photographing a sheer vertical wall with hundreds of Pacific barracuda encircling you, feel your eyes widen in amazement at the huge and remarkably colorful coral reef systems, or watch the resident spinner dolphins as they jump and twirl for your entertainment.

Over 50 dive sites have been identified along Kosrae's coast, all of which have been marked with a mooring buoy to prevent anchor damage to the fragile coral reef system.

Some popular dive sites:

Hiroshi Point

Buoy 15 - huge coral heads estimated to be more than 2,000 years old and large numbers of Christmas tree worms and invertebrates plus diverse marine life including eagle rays, schools of huge parrot fish, reef sharks, barracuda and squid can be seen. Feels like you are diving in a huge aquarium! Great for snorkeling also.

Walung Drop-Off

Buoys 28 and 29 - one of the most popular dive sites in Kosrae. Incredible sheer walls are home to schools of barracuda. All types of marine life have been seen here: small hammerhead and reef sharks, turtles, giant puffers, numerous small invertebrates. The current can be strong. Buoy 28 is located in shallow water and is a great snorkel spot; buoy 29 is on the outer reef.

Shark Island

Buoys 39 and 40 - an excellent dive site with many species of fish and invertebrates. Schools of Eagle Rays and Barracuda are often seen, along with Dog Tooth Tuna, Black and White Tipped Reef Sharks. If there is no current, Shark Island is a great night dive. Visibility here can be amazing.